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Data Centers Can Now Earn Energy Star Label (from eponline.com)

Web Freeman — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:54:50 +0000

Data Centers Can Now Earn Energy Star Label

Jun 08, 2010The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced June 7 that stand-alone data centers and buildings that house large data centers can earn the Energy Star label by improving the efficiency levels to that of the top 25 percent of their peers as measured by the agency’s energy performance scale. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov/datacenters.

EPA uses the Power Usage Effectiveness metric. Before being awarded the Energy Star, a third-party licensed professional must independently verify the energy performance of these buildings and sign and seal the application document that is sent to EPA for review and approval.

Data centers are found in nearly every sector of the economy and deliver vital information technology services, including data storage, communications and Internet accessibility. They centers account for 1.5 percent of total U.S. electricity consumption at a cost of $4.5 billion annually, an amount that is expected to almost double over the next five years.

Based on the latest available data, improving the energy efficiency of America’s data centers by just 10 percent would save more than 6 billion kilowatt-hours each year, enough to power more than 350,000 homes and save more than $450 million annually.

Data centers can improve energy efficiency in many ways, such as purchasing Energy Star-qualified servers and ensuring that all HVAC equipment functions properly.

For information on the Energy Star label for commercial buildings, visit www.energystar.gov/labeledbuildings.

http://eponline.com/articles/2010/06/08/data-centers-can-now-earn-energy-star-label.aspx

Interesting read: 5 ways to green your packaging

Web Freeman — Wed, 19 May 2010 15:36:32 +0000

Five Ways Companies Can Green their Packaging

When it comes to promoting themselves as sustainable, many companies find green packaging an excellent way to cut costs and boost their image.

Asen Strategic Advertising & Marketing understands the importance of maintaining a company’s image through packaging and has provided five tactics that can transform packaging from the same old bag or box into something a little … greener:

1. Purchase packaging material from local manufacturers. Buying packaging products from local vendors can be beneficial for the environment, the consumer and the business. Materials purchased from local sources don’t travel as far, helping to reduce fuel consumption and the emissions produced by shipping. Also, products using local components appeal to those consumers who seek out goods that come from their own region.

2. Try bioplastics. Plastic is one of the most popular packaging substances. The problem with plastic is that the majority of it is derived from nonrenewable sources, such as petroleum and natural gas. However, there are some plastics, bioplastics, that are made from renewable resources, like plants. Bioplastics are often biodegradable and typically release fewer toxins when decomposing, as compared to their synthetic counterparts.

3. Use recycled materials. Glass, aluminum, paper, steel and some plastics are easily recyclable and often without a loss of quality in the product. Using recycled materials in packaging is a good way of making a package green. In fact, some materials, such as glass, steel and aluminum, are capable of indefinite recycling. Encouraging consumers to re-recycle the package is a good way to keep a reusable material out of the landfill. It’s also great for your brand’s image.

4. Implement a packaging reduction program. Smaller packages or packaging with compact elements means the manufacturer can fit a greater number on a pallet during shipping. If fewer pallets are needed to complete an order, that means fewer trips for polluting trucks and barges, which in turn, means fewer harmful emissions are sent into the air. The same principal applies to reducing weight. A truck will use less fuel, and produce less pollution, if its load is lighter.

5. Give green. If you can’t improve the sustainability of your current packaging, donating a portion of your sales to a green non-profit agency is an excellent way to improve your company’s image. Most companies choose to not disclose the amount of per-sale profit they donate, so this option can be inexpensive.

http://eponline.com/articles/2010/05/17/five-ways-companies-can-green-their-packaging.aspx

Springfield’s freshest focus on recycling

Web Freeman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:00:33 +0000

The City of Springfield is releasing an updating Guide to Recycling on its recycling portal. If you’re looking for a recycling center, wondering what Springfield includes in its recycling program, or how to recycle household chemicals, the recycling guide has the information for you. Look for frequent updates on this fast and easy way to go green and give the environment a break.

For more information:
Barbara Lucks
E-Mail: blucks@springfieldmo.gov
Web: www.springfieldmo.gov/recycling

Fresh & Green Fridays: Heat Wave edition

Web Freeman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:08:13 +0000

Planet Green asks, how eco-gullible are you? Test your knowledge of “hit or myth” reports with their “12 Eco Myths just begging to be debunked.”

There’s a giant rift growing in Africa that scientists say may form a new ocean…eventually. Pertinent? Not necessarily. Fascinating? Yes.

By far, some of the most shocking evidence of the effects of pollution on the environment: the muck of the North Pacific Gyre is leaving a brightly-colored trail of dead albatross on islands in the North Pacific. Photographer Chris Jordan documents these startling skeletons as a recycling call-to-arms.

Why purchase carbon offsets if you can grow your own? That’s just what Toyota is doing at its Prius plant in Japan. The company has created two new species of flower that help offset the carbon footprint of the popular hybrid vehicles. Toyota reports lowering the plant’s CO2 emissions by more than 50% since 1990.

This one is fresh and green for sure. Grocery chain Kroger is adding “traceability technology” to its fresh greens as part of its “Quality You Can Trace” program. Kroger says it’s adding food origin information to help consumers know more about the food they purchase for their families.

Because we’re always hungry on Fridays (have you noticed?) here’s this week’s seasonal dish: oven-roasted garlic. It may sound strange, but it’s a delicious side to pumpkin soup or a juicy steak.

Home Energy Tax Credits: It’s Not Too Late!

Web Freeman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:02:58 +0000

Thinking of remodeling your home or upgrading your heating and cooling equipment? You may be eligible for a federal tax credit to help reduce the cost! Homeowners can receive a tax credit for making energy-efficient home improvements or for installing high efficiency heating and cooling systems. The incentives are equal to 30% of the materials and installation on your projects, up to $1,500.

A variety of energy efficient products and projects are eligible for this tax credits, but time is running out to take this offer. Projects completed in 2009 can be put on your 2009 taxes, and 2010 projects can be completed between January 1 and December 31, 2010. For more information, visit City Utilities’ guide to the tax credits.

Resources:

Internal Revenue Bulletin 2009-25 Nonbusiness Energy Property

ENERGY STAR® Web site

Fresh & Green Fridays (Fall Foliage Edition)

Web Freeman — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:55:52 +0000

Want to be the next “No Impact Man”? Check out the Huffington Post’s “No Impact Experiment” week starting October 18. Ditch the carbon without cutting out the creature comforts.

This week’s Green Gadget? The 6-in-1 Solar Robot kit. A great, green DIY toy for the science-minded kid…or the science-minded parent.

You knew it was bad, but did you know it was this bad? Take a look at the environmental impact of junk mail, by the numbers.

Sustainability-minded students and parents should check out the final leaderboard for America’s Greenest Campus. (Warning: Fro-Yo isn’t exactly locavore.)

Maybe it’s the weather, but this butternut squash soup looks delicious. We welcome any chefs who need testers.

…And now we’re hungry. Are you? Here’s Planet Green’s list of 7 Ways to Experience Seasonal Food in your area.

Green? No. Strangely fascinating? Of course. The Today Show’s Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford drive Neiman-Marcus’ new $25,000 cupcake cars.

Top 10 Things to Ask When Buying ‘Green’ Electronics

Web Freeman — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:48:57 +0000

Buying electronics is a chore. Picking the right device takes time, research, and money.

Unfortunately, buying green electronics can require even more time and research, and sometimes a little bit more money. But the rewards for the planet are well worth it, and you just might enjoy your gadgets a bit more knowing you made a right choice for the environment. ‘

With that in mind, here are 10 ideas to take into consideration when buying electronics to help you make the greenest choice.

10. Is it ENERGY STAR rated? This is one of the easiest ways to make sure your device is eco-friendly. ENERGY STAR devices use less energy than competing products, so look for the ENERGY STAR logo. If it’s not there, you might want to keep looking.

9. How easily can it be recycled? The more complex the device, the harder it is to recycle. You also want to look at what chemicals and materials are used; some are more toxic than others.

8. Is it responsibly manufactured? Does the manufacturer have a good eco-record?

7. How long will it last? If your new device won’t last a few years, or more, is it worth buying?

6. Are the manufacturers’ green claims independently certified? There are dozens of organizations — too many to list here — that test and verify products, making sure they are truly green. Certified products will have an official logo on the package, so look for them and ask what they mean.

5. Is the packaging recyclable, made from recycled materials, or at the very least, kept to a minimum amount?

4. Do you need it? Can your old tech’s lifespan be extended, or can it be made greener? Let’s face it, you don’t need every new device. Keeping an old product in use for a longer period of time is almost always the greenest option.

3. How eco-responsible is the retailer? Do they offer take-backs of old devices? Do they take efforts to green their supply chain? Do they use eco-friendly building materials? Look the company up; don’t do business with companies that don’t support the environment.

2. Is the green value worth the price? In other words, don’t spend $1,000 extra to save $500 in energy costs over the life of the product.

1. Is it the greenest option available, or can you do even better? Okay, so there’s always just a little bit more research you can do. But trust me, it will be worth it.

100 Days, 100 Ways

Web Freeman — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:18:16 +0000

Sustainability is a priority for BOMA International. BOMA releases its “100 Days, 100 Ways” tips and strategies to help property professionals make going green a priority every day.
Energy Efficiency
1. Benchmark energy consumption through ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager
2. Regularly inspect building equipment
3. Calibrate thermostats and air handlers
4. Adjust dampers within code to reduce excess outside air
5. Install power management software for monitors
6. Harvest daylight by locating work stations adjacent to windows
7. Clean windows to allow more natural light
8. Change incandescent lights to CFLs and HIDs
9. Convert inefficient lamps and ballasts to T8, T12 and T5 lamps
10. De-lamp and disconnect unused ballasts
11. Perform full-floor lighting sweeps to ensure EMS system is performing
12. Install occupancy sensors
13. Use high-efficiency LED signs
14. Use work station task lighting
15. Install heat recovery equipment
16. When available, sub-meter major systems and equipment
17. Conduct security patrols to ensure all lights are off
18. Manage sequence of operations so all equipment is not running at once
19. “Green” your roof to reduce heat load to the building
20. In hot/dry regions, add tinted glass or window film
21. Install VFDs on air handler units and cooling towers
22. Seasonally adjust schedules for HVAC equipment
23. Automatic “lights out” at 7 p.m. with tenant override mechanism
24. Install CO2 sensors to reduce outside air intake
25. Consider a light roof in hot/dry climates to reduce the heat island effect
26. Install interior solar shades to block heat
27. Take advantage of federal tax credits on energy efficiency improvements
28. Perform annual thermal scans to identify electrical hot spots
29. Install solenoid values on heat pumps
30. Verify all HVAC units are on the EMS schedule
31. Recommission building mechanical systems
32. Have buildings cleaned during the day when lights are on
33. Hold vendor/tenant Q&A events
34. Team clean your building floor-by-floor to reduce electricity

Water Conservation
35. Benchmark water consumption through ENERGY STAR
36. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation
37. Use drip irrigation for ornamental shrubs
38. Install in-ground moisture sensors
39. Use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle
40. Use a broom to clean driveways or sidewalks
41. Landscape with perennial plants
42. In arid climates, landscape with native, drought-resistant plants
43. Install aerators in bathroom and breakroom sinks
44. Install low-flow or waterless urinals
45. Install low-flow toilets
46. Monitor activities with sensors, such as motion-sensor faucets
47. Reduce water pressure
48. Reset hot water thermostats to the lowest setting possible
49. Turn off hot water heaters while building is unoccupied
50. Schedule an annual review of your property’s irrigation system
51. Harvest rainwater for landscaping

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
52. Recycle old cell phones for the needy
53. Hold an e-Waste day and collect electronics
54. Recycle everything – paper, plastic, batteries, light bulbs, computers, copiers, etc.
55. Invest in a fluorescent bulb “crusher” and invite tenants to drop off their bulbs
56. Use recycled material in restroom paper products
57. Check into local/state tax credits for recycled material
58. Use local and recycled building materials
59. Add composting to your landscape maintenance plan
60. Use coreless bath tissue
61. Work with vendors who have recycling programs
62. Establish disposal methods to discard electronics and hazardous waste
63. Institute a food composting program
64. Utilize mixed recycling
65. Hold furniture recycling fair
66. Hand prune plants
67. Use mulching mowers in landscaping

Tenant Awareness
68. Give away CFL bulbs to tenants in exchange for incandescent bulbs
69. Organize energy efficiency and sustainability tenant councils
70. Give away pine tree samplings on Earth Day
71. Encourage tenants to power down during off hours
72. Institute an Energy Awareness Program
73. Encourage tenants to use ENERGY STAR equipment
74. Set up “by request only” for supplying HVAC on nights and weekends
75. Reduce tenant access to thermostats
76. Ask a car dealership to bring hybrid vehicles to property for test drives
77. Include sustainability tips in monthly newsletters
78. Post information on car pools and mass transit
79. Install bicycles racks in the garage
80. Allow bikers to use gym showers
81. Offer preferred parking spots for compact cars and hybrid vehicles
82. Encourage tenant work-from-home policies to reduce workplace energy consumption
83. Host “Go Green” fairs for tenants
84. Offer tenant training for recycling and composting programs
85. Ask tenants to switch off overhead lights when daylight is sufficient

Indoor Air Quality
86. Give away free samples of green cleaning products
87. Invite green vendors to exhibit/discuss products on Earth Day
88. Use air filters and HEPA vacuums to improve IAQ
89. Use low-VOC paints/sealants/adhesives for building improvements
90. Make sure cleaning products meet Green Seal standards
91. Insure that your janitorial service uses green cleaning products
92. Use microfiber cloths when cleaning to reduce chemical use
93. Dispose of garbage promptly and properly
94. Do not block air vents or grilles
95. Develop a preventative IAQ management program
96. Integrate IAQ concerns into purchasing decisions
97. Store food properly
98. Use walk-off mats in lobby to reduce contaminants
99. Promote your green cleaning program to tenants
100. Use high performing HVAC filtration systems

Composting

Web Freeman — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:23:50 +0000

Always wanted to compost but been afraid to ask?

The Missouri Department of Revenue is one of the best resources out there to help you go green.

General information on composting – http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/composting/compost1.htm

Downloadable instructions on how to do-it-yourself

· How to make your own wire composting bin http://www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub1085.pdf

· A three bin system: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub214.pdf

· Composting with worms : http://www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub215.pdf

Tips for Using Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Web Freeman — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 02:54:45 +0000

Light bulbs are getting a lot more complicated.

In a guide they wrote, lighting experts at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute said compact fluorescent bulbs require “a little insight and planning.”

That may be an understatement. While research suggests that compact fluorescent technology has improved in the last decade, the bulbs do not replicate the performance of incandescents, the bulbs to which most people are accustomed.

Following are some highlights from various guides to using compact fluorescent bulbs, including tips prepared by Rensselaer’s Lighting Research Center, the federal government’s Energy Star program, and experts from Consumer Reports magazine:

Look for bulbs with the Energy Star label, which indicates they meet at least minimal performance requirements.

Be aware that compact fluorescents can take one to three minutes to reach full brightness. This is not a defect.

The place where people are most likely to use compact fluorescents, closets, may be a poor choice. Experts at Energy Star warn that frequently turning the bulbs on and off shortens their lives, and recommend using them in fixtures “that are used at least 15 minutes at a time or several hours per day.”

The bulbs do not do well in hot places with little airflow, like recessed ceiling fixtures. They are ideal for table lamps.

Not all compact fluorescents work with dimmers or three-way sockets. Read labels.

Learning about “color temperature,” which is printed on the label of high-quality bulbs, can help consumers avoid disappointment with the color of the light. The warmest-looking bulbs generally have a color temperature less than 3,000 kelvins, with the harshest bulbs usually above 5,000.

Compact fluorescents contain mercury and should not be disposed of in the trash. Many chains, like Home Depot, offer recycling bins for the bulbs.

If you break a bulb, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends precautions to avoid mercury exposure: Clear people and pets from the room and open a window for at least 15 minutes if possible. Avoid vacuuming. Scoop up larger pieces with stiff paper or cardboard, pick up smaller residue with sticky tape, and wipe the area with a damp cloth. Put everything into a sealed plastic bag or sealed glass jar. In most cases, this can be put in the trash, but the E.P.A. recommends checking local rules.

Keep your receipt. “Studies show that if electronics are going to fail,” the Lighting Research Center says, “it is likely to happen early on.”

Article Courtesy of The New York Times